No one wants to encounter an accident in the workplace. But they’re an unfortunate reality for many employers and their team members. Whether in a warehouse or on top of a roof, accidents can lead to legal action, emotional fallout, and disputes. Ultimately, the employer needs to step in quickly to honor legal obligations and maintain their reputation. Employers should be supportive while their employee recovers, but they can’t overlook the logistical details that accompany an accident.
If you lead an organization, you can’t afford to be complacent. Read on to learn what employer responsibilities look like after a team member’s accident.
Seek Medical Care Right Away
When an accident occurs, the first step should be securing medical attention for the injured employee. Even if an injury looks mild, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Have a first aid kit ready and ensure that your employee contacts their provider for additional care. Calling an ambulance may be necessary, however, in more serious situations.
Emotions may be heated if the injured employee is not at fault for what happened. Or, in some cases, an injury may result from negligence on the job. Regardless of the circumstances, prioritize medical care above all else. Be supportive and set the tone as a leader and communicator to help everyone involved stay calm.
Restrict the Accident Area
After dealing with the injuries, employers should move on to securing the area where the accident happened. This action helps prevent further problems. It can also provide investigators with a better understanding of what caused the accident in the first place.
Shift leaders or managers should move other individuals to the perimeter of the space. They may need to turn off machinery or lock access doors. Every action that helps maintain the scene will be helpful in the long run.
Further, leaders should begin tackling their reporting responsibilities. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) may require that hospitalizations be reported, for instance, within a day of the accident. Less intense injuries that don’t require hospitalization can just be logged using OSHA’s forms. If there is a death due to an accident, this must be reported within eight hours. Leaders in the company should be aware of these requirements ahead of time to make sure the organization is compliant, or consult their legal team for advice.
Gather Essential Documentation
Employers should document everything they can about the scene of the accident. This may include taking photographs of the space and what contributed to the accident. It could mean gathering video footage from cameras or obtaining firsthand accounts of the situation from other team members.
Safety records for equipment or training documentation can be critical, too. These records can help show that an employer has been diligent about maintenance and training. Employers shouldn’t worry about trying to frame documentation in a positive light. Instead, they should simply be diligent about creating a factual account of the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Additionally, employers or team members may want to reach out to legal experts for help at this time. Whether you’re working with an auto accident lawyer, or another legal professional, you want to make sure they’re clear communicators with a track record of success.
Report Injuries to Insurance
The next step is to begin the insurance claims process. Employers should report injuries promptly after the occurrence, often within a few days, as required by law. Insurers dealing with workers’ compensation will expect the prompt notification, and they’ll also reach out for documentation.
Documents can include medical reports, the accident report, and visual evidence of the scene. Insurers may also request wage statements to indicate payments made to an employee prior to their accident. Employers should also reach out to the injured team member to assure them that they’re taking the necessary steps to move along the claims process. Showing compassion during a team member’s absence and recovery can go a long way. Employers can also demonstrate support by helping team members ease back into their job duties following the injury with lighter tasks or limited hours.
Make Necessary Policy Adjustments
It’s wise to take stock of current policies after an accident. Perhaps some changes could help prevent future accidents and give other employees more peace of mind. A particular piece of equipment could need better maintenance. Or maybe employees need better training, or a warehouse configuration needs retooling.
Employers should deploy a safety team to assess the situation. Employers may need to update their handbooks or onboarding processes to ensure a safer work environment. They should seek input from other employees before making recommendations. And they should convey these changes to their employees through meetings or emails.
Addressing a Team Member Accident Effectively
Ultimately, accidents can happen in the workplace even with the best training and equipment maintenance. Employers should be prepared to act quickly to get medical care and documentation of the scene. Then they should reach out to their insurer and legal team to plot next steps and be diligent about compliance. With swift actions and strong communication, employers can take care of their responsibilities while showing support for those affected by the accident. In the end, these actions can contribute to a better company culture.
